India, June 16 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered an early shock. Spain, widely tipped as one of the favourites for the title, were held to a 0-0 draw by 67th-ranked Cape Verde in a result few saw coming before kick-off. Fresh from their European Championship success and armed with a squad full of established stars, Spain were expected to begin their campaign with a statement victory. Instead, they were frustrated for 90 minutes by a side that refused to be intimidated by the occasion.

Cape Verde approached the contest with clear intent. They stayed compact, defended in numbers and made life difficult for Spain in and around the penalty area. Despite dominating possession for long spells, Spain struggled to create the kind ...